name: vsl-funnel
description: >
Video Sales Letter funnel. A high-converting format that uses a
long-form video to present the offer, followed by an order page.
Best for info products, courses, and coaching in the $97–$2,000 range.
VSL Funnel
The Video Sales Letter funnel replaces long-form sales copy with a persuasive video. The viewer watches, then clicks a CTA that appears after a timed delay.
Flow
Traffic → VSL Page → Order Page → Thank You / Upsell
| Page | Purpose | Key Element |
|---|
| VSL Page | Deliver sales message via video | Auto-play video, delayed CTA button |
| Order Page | Capture payment | Order form, guarantee, testimonials |
| Upsell (optional) | One-click upsell after purchase | Single CTA, limited offer |
| Thank You | Confirm purchase, deliver access | Login details, next steps |
VSL Page Requirements
Video Player
- Autoplay (muted with unmute prompt on mobile)
- No controls visible — no scrub bar, no skip (optional, controversial)
- Timed CTA reveal — button appears after 60–80% of video plays
- Simple embed: Wistia, Vimeo Pro, or Bunny Stream preferred (no YouTube — ads distract)
Timed CTA Pattern
// Reveal CTA button after X seconds
const video = document.querySelector('video');
const cta = document.querySelector('.cta-delayed');
const REVEAL_SECONDS = 900; // 15 minutes
video.addEventListener('timeupdate', () => {
if (video.currentTime >= REVEAL_SECONDS) {
cta.classList.add('visible');
}
});
Page Layout
- Minimal: headline + video + CTA only
- No navigation — no distractions
- Dark background — keeps focus on video
- Optional: countdown timer below video for urgency
VSL Script Framework (for copywriter reference)
1. Pattern Interrupt (0:00–0:30)
Hook that stops the scroll — bold claim, curiosity, controversy
2. Story / Problem (0:30–5:00)
Relatable origin story that mirrors the viewer's pain
3. Solution Reveal (5:00–8:00)
Introduce the product as the bridge from pain to outcome
4. Proof (8:00–12:00)
Testimonials, case studies, results, credentials
5. Offer Stack (12:00–16:00)
Core product + bonuses with value anchoring
6. Price Reveal & Close (16:00–18:00)
Price drop, guarantee, urgency, final CTA
7. FAQ / Objection Crusher (18:00–20:00)
Address remaining doubts
Conversion Benchmarks
| Metric | Target |
|---|
| VSL page view → watch 25% | > 50% |
| Watch 25% → watch 75% | > 40% |
| Watch 75% → click CTA | > 15% |
| Click CTA → purchase | > 5% |
| Overall visitor → purchase | > 1.5% |
A/B Tests
- CTA reveal time (earlier vs. later)
- Headline above video vs. no headline
- Video thumbnail (play button styles)
- Order page: one-step vs. two-step checkout
- Upsell offer vs. no upsell